It is a wonder that this far into the 20th century we are still capable of surprise at the behavior of totalitarian regimes toward their own people. and still somehow resist the thought that this is systemic. and takes place regardless of the peoples involved. their location or their circumstances. But it does. The refugee is singularly a phenomenonan institution. almostof the 20th century. Invariably. it is associated with totalitarian regimes: First. the Fascist regimes of Germany and Italy. and then the rising currency of the Communist regimes that have succeeded them and have already established themselves in Central Europe. then China and Indochina. Wherever that system of government goes. the refugee appears. There is nothing more eloquent in the world in this day as a symbol of it than the Berlin Wall that stands. The totalitarian nations have had the most extraordinary experience: They can win adherents in the democracies. but never among their own people.
Identified stereotypes
Refugees are associated with totalitarian regimes.